Yellowstone National Park requires all visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from the 4,500+ bison that freely roam the park. Disregarding these regulations can result in fines, injury, and in extreme cases even death. The safety of the animals, as well as human safety, depends on visitors following simple rules, using commonsense and abiding by their the best judgement.
The woman in the following video was clearly dissuaded by the ample warning provided by Yellowstone signage and staff. She approached a bison resting at the Old Faithful area and had the bravado to reach out and touch it. Despite bystanders warning her “you’re going to get killed” the woman continued to touch the bison on the head, provoking it to stand on its forelegs and shake its head in response to the unwanted contact.
This a prime example Yellowstone tourists blatant disregard of park policies for their own personal amusement. Whether it be going in close for selfie or a pet, this type of disrespectful behavior is abhorrent. Yellowstone’s bison do have not motivation to attack visitors when they are viewed from a safe distance but when people approach them serious harm can be inflicted. This woman is very lucky her repeated provocations didn’t end with an attack.
Yellowstone Bison Safety:
Bison have injured more people in Yellowstone than any other animal. Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Always stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison.
- Give bison space when they are near a campsite, trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity. 
- Approaching bison threatens them, and they may respond by bluff charging, head bobbing, pawing, bellowing, or snorting. These are warning signs that you are too close and that a charge is imminent.
- Do not stand your ground. Immediately walk or run away from the animal. Spray bear spray as you are moving away if the animal follows you.